Italian media football-italia reported that Roma boss Jose Mourinho still wants the club to bring in Xhaka before the end of the winter window. However, if Roma want to bring in Xhaka, they must first clear Diawarra, who is now unable to play, out of the team.
Screenshot of the football-italia report
Last summer, Mourinho was desperate to get Xhaka, but in the end he stayed at Arsenal. At that time, Rome's offer to Arsenal was only 15 million euros, but the psychological price of the Gunners was 25 million euros. Currently, Xhaka's weekly salary at Arsenal is £100,000, and this season Xhaka has played 10 times in the Premier League, without scoring goals and only 1 assist, eating 4 yellow cards and 1 red card. In all the competitions he participated in, Xhaka made 13 appearances for the Gunners and received 2 red cards.
Diawarra, who earned 2.2 million euros a year at Roma, has dropped out of the rotation squad under Jose Mourinho this season, scoring just four appearances in Serie A, including two starts. With the arrival of Niles and Oliveira in the winter window, Diyavala has no chance to play. New signing Oliveira scored two goals in two appearances after coming to Roma.
Mourinho admires Xhaka, who he believes his arrival will allow Roma to be more balanced between attack and defence, according to football-italia. However, Diawarra, who earns 2.2 million euros a year, must clear the team before bringing in Xhaka. Roma general manager Pinto is currently trying to tout Diyavala, and the club can accept the plan of renting first and buying later. ”
Previously, Mourinho had also said that with Niles and Oliveira already in the team, he himself would not force the club to bring in the third-place player in the winter window. However, Mourinho still hopes that the club can fight for the introduction of Xhaka in the remaining days and improve the team's midfield.